US Bridges

CR 74 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

McLeod County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI E of JCT Csah 9 · Structure no. 43507

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
95
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 74 over Buffalo Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 74 over Buffalo Creek in McLeod County, Minnesota. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 95 vehicles a day, projected to reach 95 by 2039. The structure is 127 ft (38.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 74
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.2 MI E of JCT Csah 9
RouteCounty Highway 74
CountyMcLeod County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.81099, -94.03699
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length127 ft (38.6 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic95 (2017)
Projected traffic95 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 74 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 74 over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does CR 74 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 95 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is CR 74 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 127 ft (38.6 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns CR 74 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.